Patent · US Expired

Drive shaft coupling

US7150680B2 · kind B2 · utility

17Cited by
44References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJan 10, 2002
Grant dateDec 19, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 21, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T403/557
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Disclosed is a torque-transmitting coupling assembly and method, as well as flexible surgical reamers having such assemblies. The reamers employ a fitting with radially flexible member, e.g., a split collet or a super-elastic collar that receives an elongated tubular shaft of super-elastic alloy. A compression sleeve is applied to the collet, in one embodiment, while the collar is located within a counter-bore of the fitting in another embodiment. Relative motion between the shaft, fitting and collet (or collar) induces a super-elastic activation in the shaft to form the desired coupling.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.